Original Antique MK I - II Short Lever Martini Henry Rifle, Dated 1875, By Enfield, Early Model Long Cocking Indicator, With Original Victorian Leather Sling. Rare Brass Muzzle Dust Cover & In Fabulous Condition. One Of Only 1400 Early MK1 Models Made

Original Antique MK I-II Antique Short Lever Martini Henry Rifle, with Victorian leather sling & fabulous stock patina, and great steel condition with barely negligible traces of corrosion anywhere. Numerous inspection stamps throughout the rifle, upon the barrel, action, trigger guard, dust cover etc. With Superb Steel Patination & Stock Patina

Only about 1400 MK I’s were made and in 1877 they were replaced by the MK II which incorporated several design improvements learned from the MK I. At this time the surviving MK I’s were factory
converted to the MK II. When converted to the MK II an additional “I” was added to the
receiver markings, which resulted in the marking being skewed to the right of centre, whereas rifles made originally as a MK II would have this marking centered.

The stock looks as good as the very best quality walnut stock can be, after it was used by a front rank regiment for several decades.

In our opinion this conservation has revealed this wonderful rifle to be one of the best and beautiful ‘used’ examples outside of the National Army Museum

Returning from professional hand conservation Fully actionable and a superbly tight mechanism.

The most desirable Martini Henry are the MK I's and the MKI-II's, The very types of Martini short Lever rifle as were used by the 24th Foot at Ishandwhana and Rorke's Drift, and then later in the Afghan War and several conflicts against the Mahdi in the Sudan. They were even also used up to WW1 by some colonial regiments. This is a very fine early original ordnance contract example, best line regiment issue, and made by Enfield with VR Crown mark stamped 'sx' on the breech for upgraded hardened steel pin.

This rifle was made at the Enfield arms workshop and is a truly exceptional and beautiful example, maker marked, and in very good operational order indeed with an excellent action, but clearly combat used.

The Martini Henry, .450 577 rifle was most famous British Infantry breech loading rifle of the 19th century. This rifle is just as were used in the film ZULU, and the exact model type as was used during the Zulu War, a much superior condition stunning example.

This Martini-Henry dated 1875, was the breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (based on the Peabody rifle developed by Henry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman, Alexander Henry. It first entered service in 1871 replacing the Snider-Enfield, and variants were used throughout the British Empire for 30 years. It was the first British service rifle that was a true breech-loading rifle using metallic cartridges.
During the Martini-Henry period in service, the British army were involved in a large number of colonial wars, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War. The Martini Henry, 450-577, Short Lever, MK I converted MK II or the regular MK II rifle was the type used by the company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot present at Rorke's Drift during the eponymous battle. The MK I originally had a small design fault in that the actions hinge pin was initially made of brass, which was too soft for continual use. The rare and early MKI's were thus converted by removing this pin, replacing it with a steel pin, and then redesignated the MKII. The Martini Henry were later used throughout the British Empire. In fact the Martin henry was such a good rifle many survived to be used in WW1 by some colonial regiments.

As with all our original antique arms, no licence is required to own, purchase or to collect anything of that description we sell. They, and all of these rifles, are entirely unrestricted to own, collect, and display just as they are, however, we only permitted to sell to those who are over 18 of age with suitable I.d.  read more

Code: 26175

A Most Scarce Antique Ching Dynasty Chinese Shuāngjiàn (雙劍). A Twin-Sword Jian, Late 18th Early 19th century. Near Identical to Admiral Sir James Hanway Plumbridge's Sword in the National Maritime Museum Collection. And The Metropolitan In New york

A 19th century Chinese large sized double sword (Shuang Jian) with green, giant rayskin scabbard, and elaborate brass mounts, The cast brass mounted hilts are of classic form with zoomorphic guards depicting the taotie (饕餮), a monster from Chinese folklore that was so voracious that it devoured even its own lower jaw. This is quite like kirtimukha of the Hindu cultural sphere, and there is probably an ancient relationship between the two. The rendering of the faces is detailed, their presence strong, unlike very similar guards on most late Qing duanjian that lack detail and look weak.

A most rare sword arrangement where each sword has a rounded outer and a flat inner side hilt system, of two swords that fit back to back and parallel together, and are simultaneously worn in a single scabbard. The blades were designed to be used in pairs, one in each hand. During the Qing Dynasty, these were not just combat weapons but also popular symbols of high status. Many Jian were brought back to England by the earliest visitors to China, both before and after the Boxer rebellion.

A similar piece was exhibited in the British Museum, Chinese weapons and armour, 15th of December 1994 to the 15th of January 1995.

A Chinese jian double or twin sword, with two double edged blades retained in a single scabbard. Principle sword with a engraved brass mounts, the bats and longevity symbols on the brass mounts form the pun fúshòu (福壽), meaning a long and happy life, and a lined darkwood grip, the secondary sword has an identical matching hilt with buffalo horn grip, and both are simultaneously retained in a superb single giant rayskin covered scabbard, with two interior slots, one for each blade, with typical stylized brass mounts, typically decorated with a traditional, intricate, bat and seal design, fúshòu (福壽). The stylized longevity symbol called shòu (壽) surrounded by bats, fú (蝠)
Each sword has a double edged blade.

Overall with stunning original patination, this would be a Chinese antique sword, of the larger size than usual, that would likely be impossible to improve upon.

Likely brought back to England as a souvenir of the Opium War period to the Boxer Rebellion. Truly original, antique, Chinese weapons are very scarce indeed, as historically, few swords were ever brought back from China. Porcelain and silk were far more popular and preferable souvenirs and exports for Europeans, and in China, in the mid 20th century, nearly all the surviving antique edged weapons were melted down and destroyed in the era of Mao, under Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolutionary instructions, in order to create new steel.

A fabulous example that has breathtaking natural age patina. Effectively, in wondrous condition for its age.

A near identical sword {but withy a single blade} was once belonging to Admiral Sir James Hanway. His family believed he wore it as a midshipman at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It is on display in the National Maritime Museum, exhibit number; WPN1157. Described as follows
Chinese sword, which belonged to Admiral Sir James Hanway Plumbridge (1787-1863). Description of the admirals sword; The hilt of the sword consists of a gilt pommel and crosspiece with very short down-turned quillons, and a fluted brown grip. The hilt is ornamented with a design of bats, which are a symbol of good luck. The steel blade is straight and double-edged. The point of the blade has evidently been broken off; it is about an inch too short for the scabbard and is rather roughly ground. The wooden scabbard is covered with lacquered paper actually tortoishell, and has four gilt lockets and a chape, which is ornamented with a design of bats. The two middle lockets are fitted with loops. This sword was offered to the National Maritime Museum as the sword which was worn by Admiral Sir James Hanway Plumbridge when he was a Midshipman at Trafalgar. It is inconceivable that he wore a Chinese weapon at Trafalgar. He probably obtained the sword during one of his three commissions in the East Indies. Admiral Sir James Hanway Plumbridge (1787-1863) entered the Royal Navy on the 6th September 1799 and was a Midshipman in HMS 'Leda' in the expedition to Egypt in 1801. At Trafalgar he was acting 6th Lieutenant in HMS 'Defence', and on the 20th August 1806 he was confirmed in rank. See photo 10 in the gallery, it shows the admiral's identical Jian sword on display in the National Maritime Museum, the photo is sadly of poor quality

The two paintings in the gallery are original Chinese gouache of a seated Ching Emperor, and his sword bearer, holding the very same type of Jian sword with green scabbard.

The antique Chinese jian is a straight, double-edged sword used in China for over 2,500 years, with the earliest examples dating to the 7th century BC. We actually have some original, ancient jian museum pieces, from this era, acquired by us from the world renown Dove Collection. See them offered for sale within our website.
It was a multi-purpose weapon, optimized for thrusting but also capable of cutting and slashing, and was a symbol of status. The design was effective and remained relatively consistent over long periods, with minor variations in length, weight, and balance.
The jian's most defining feature is its straight, double-edged blade. While it could be used for both cutting and thrusting, it was often considered more optimized for thrusting than the single-edged dao (sabre).
The jian was a symbol of power and status, wielded by the elite and sometimes carried as a symbol of authority.
Its use dates back to the Spring and Autumn period, with some of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian.
Design variations: The length, balance, and weight of the jian varied significantly across different periods and purposes.
It is a crucial tool in traditional Chinese martial arts training.
Military use: It was a formidable weapon on the battlefield and, due to its length and reach, was sometimes used like a long spear to favour thrusting techniques.
The jian is a significant symbol in Chinese culture and history, frequently appearing in films, historical reenactments, and museum exhibits.
Antique jian are valuable as historical artifacts, collectibles, and striking decorative pieces.

A comparable set is held in the Metropolitan Museum, accession number 36.25.1480a–c  read more

Code: 26174

Japanese Edo Era Kankyuto (貫級刀) Double Edged Knife, Head Piercer, With Boars Eye Piecing and Silver Inlaid Cherry Blossom. One Piece Steel Construction And It is Also Called A Bashin (馬針) or Umabari

Often carried like a kodzuka in the small side pocket of a wakazashi or tanto saya. Original early examples are rare and highly collectable. However both bashin and umbari are usually not of one-piece construction, have a longer blade and lack the hole at the end that kankyûtô always have.

Their original use was associated with the practice of cutting enemy heads and presenting them with a tag, a practice that continued into the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Theories vary about whether it was used to affix the tag, or having to do with adding a thread to a head for mounting or transport.

An alternative use was horse-healing for over heated limbs.

Beside their use for horse-healing, they are known as throwing-knifes (shuriken) or hidden knives. These were used as both horse bleeder tools and sometimes a backup weapon or "property marker" for samurai. Kankyuto (貫級刀) means a sword to pierce a head.

The usage of handling severed heads for formal head viewing (首実検: kubijikken) after battle by supporting the head like a stand.

Bashin was used as a throwing knife as well as a tool for horses. And during Sengoku era, it was used to support a cut head of enemy when it was examined.

Found on mountings sometimes in place of a kogai, Umabari ("horse needle"). The handle portion is inlaid with lotus blossom. It is believed their principle region of use for these was in the province of Higo, but they were carried elsewhere as time progressed. It is said there are numerous stories about badly wounded Ronin on the battlefield who would use their Umabari to attack one more foe as the victors moved among the fallen samurai warriors to finish those who were thought helpless.

5 1/2 inches long.  read more

Code: 26173

An Incredibly Rare, Trafalgar and Napoleonic Wars Period, Historic Sword of Huge Collectable Interest. A Battle Damaged Royal Marines Officer’s Sword 1796 Pattern. A Sword Type Unknown To Us For Over 100 Years Of Our Extensive Experiance

As one of the worlds leading sword dealers, of over 100 years combined experience, we have handled probably more swords than any other, still thriving, military antiques company in the world today.

However, we cannot recall ever handling, examining or even seeing a specific 1796 pattern British infantry officers, sword of a Royal Marines officer's design before. Not even in the Royal Collection or the National Maritime Museum.

We have seen bespoke swords made earlier, before British sword patterns were regularised. Swords from non-regularised period, made in the 1760s to 1790s, that were swords thus clearly intended for infantry officers that fought at sea in the Marines {before it gained the honour and title, Royal Marines}. And, we have seen many later swords, such as several of the 1827 naval pattern, specifically made for Royal Marines officers, or, far more, of the infantry pattern swords, of the later designs, specifically bladed for Royal Marines service, but, never a single 1796 pattern infantry officers sword, a Royal Marines version, and used at the time, of Nelson‘s Navy, at Trafalgar etc.

What remains of this sword is still in superb condition, the remaining main portion of its hilt still has its near mint fire gilt, and its snapped blade bears no significant surface corruption at all, it even has clear traces of its original blue and gilt decor, and its engraving clearly reveals its George IIIrd Royal Marines credentials, including the Kings Royal Crest of King George IIIrd, alongside the naval anchor, and the engraved design, of a ship-of-the-line, and the all important, crossed, cannon and Royal Marines globe { the globe has been elongated to match the length of the cannon when crossed }. Also a naval crown with its masts and sails design over a coronet. Plus, its fine maker's name, within a scroll, of Henry Osborn. Henry Osborn was a major cutler who helped design the original 1796 pattern infantry sword. He went into partnership with gunsmith John Gunby in 1805, and was based in Birmingham, and also with a shop at 82 Pall Mall, London.

Clearly, it was damaged in combat, such as at Trafalgar, but, importantly, it was not then discarded, or, even lost into the depths at sea {where it would have corrupted into nothingness} and then later recovered, but, it was saved, preserved, and obviously superbly cared for, just as is post combat damage, from then until now, but by whom, we know not.

From the time of the battle of Trafalgar, then for the following 180 odd years, the Royal Navy of Great Britain was the finest Navy in the world, until it was eviscerated by today’s political minnows. Such shortsightedness, hopefully, the country will not live to regret.

From the time of the admirals, Nelson, Cochrane and Earl St. Vincent, this is a wonderful sword that has obviously suffered catastrophic combat damage, likely from the impact from such as shrapnel from cannon fire. It has remained completely untouched, 'as is', and Hors de Combat, since its return to Great Britain, possibly, to be returned to its owners family, in memory of his remarkable combat service

This sword, especially in its present condition, effectively encompasses the very essence of the of the entire beginnings of the worlds greatest naval service in all maritime history. From Trafalgar to the Falklands War, the indomitable power, spirit, skill and resourcefulness of the officers and men that fought at sea, on land, and later, in the skies above. It was, quite simply, second to none.

The Royal Marines were titled "Royal" in 1802 by King George III. This honour was bestowed to recognize their meritorious service, particularly after distinguished actions in battles on land and sea during the Revolutionary Wars. The title was instigated by Admiral the Earl St Vincent, making them a permanent, elite force.

Royal Marines at the Battle Of Trafalgar;

Ninety-three officers and 2610 other ranks of the Royal Marines were at their traditional stations on the upper decks of the British ships, Nelsons Flagship HMS Victory carried 165 Marines, led by Captain Charles Adair, and it was a Marine Sergeant who carried Nelson below after being shot.

By the end of the battle the Marines had 17 officers and 332 men killed or wounded, of these 4 officers and 117 men were killed or died of wound. (Total killed Navy and Marines was around 458)

It is potentially possible this sword may have been used by one of these RM officer's. If it was Capt Adair RM it might explain it being saved for posterity due to him perishing in combat in the battle.

Charles Adair RM Capt. {Killed in Action}
James Peake RM 1st Lt.
Lewis B Reeves RM 2nd Lt
Lewis Boatley RM 2nd Lt

Effectively, this is such an historical piece, despite its combat damage, and of such rarity, that it is priceless. However, we have placed a nominal price upon it, so it can hopefully be enjoyed, in, maybe a museum collection, or, by a collector, and generations to come.  read more

Code: 26172

18th Century, Very, Very Rare Butt Reservoir Air-Gun, Outside Lock, Circa 1785. Very Few People Realise Just How Far the Air Rifle Can Trace Back It’s History. And, Just How Amazingly Effective They Were

Likely German. Recently returned from being featured in a documentary on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We have only had two such similar reservoir butt guns in the past 20 years. Fine resevoir guns such as this were made by Samuel Henry Staudenmayer around 1799, he was a former workman of John Manton, gunmaker to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. Two air weapons by this maker are recorded in the Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, one of which was sold at Sotheby's, Hanover, October 2005. He is also the maker of a Girandoni-system air rifle that resides in the Royal Collection at Windsor (inv. No. L 409). Georg Wolf is recorded in Wurzburg circa 1775. Two bellow guns by this maker are preserved in the Bargello, Florence and another was formerly in the gunroom of the Princes zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck at Schloss Dyck. A Girandoni System Austrian Repeating Air Rifle, Circa 1795, was believed to have been taken on the Lewis & Clark Army Corps of Discovery Expedition in 1803-1806. The Girandoni air rifle was in service with the Austrian army from 1780 to around 1815. The advantages of an air gun were a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report, these features granted it acceptance as a military arm. It did have its problems and was eventually removed from service for several reasons, but decades after introduction. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 continual shots it took nearly 1,500 strokes of a hand pump to fill those reservoirs. Later, an improvement of a wagon-mounted pump was provided. The reservoirs, were made from hammered sheet iron held together with rivets and sealed by brazing, and they proved very difficult to manufacture using the techniques of the period, and were always in short supply.

In addition, the weapon was very delicate and a small break in the reservoir could make it inoperable. Finally, it was very different from any other weapon of the time and any soldier using it needed to be highly trained.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition used the rifle in the demonstrations that they performed for nearly every Native American tribe they encountered on the expedition

As far back as 250BC, Pharaoh Ktesbias II of Egypt, first described the use of compressed air to propel a projectile. Modern air gun history began in the 15th century. These weapons were known as wind chambers and were designed using an air reservoir connected to a cannon barrel. These devices were capable of propelling a four pound lead ball over a distance of 500 yards, and able to penetrate 3 inch oak board. These weapons rivaled the power of gun powder based firearms of that time and came into use in the Napoleonic wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Due to the fact that high powered air guns were both silent and deadly, they were feared by many, Nobility tried to keep these air guns out of the hands of commoners, and air resevoir butt guns even saw much combat in battle, including the Austrian Army that used an air resevoir rifle designed by Grandoni in 1779 that shot 20 rounds of .44 cal. bullets at speeds as high as 1,000 feet per second. They fought well against Napoleon's Army and even though the Austrian Army was outnumbered and lost the battle, the Austrian's armed with air guns demoralized Napoleon's Army, and they suffered had a great number of casualties. Air guns were so feared by Napoleon's Army that any enemy soldier captured with a air rifle was executed as an assassin. One important reason Napoleon was so fearful about air guns was because there was no cloud of smoke upon firing which would allow the sniper to be pin-pointed and killed.

One of the most famous air guns in history is the .36 caliber air gun that Lewis and Clark took along with them on their expedition of 1803-06 see painting in the gallery. They took it along for hunting, just in case the black powder got wet and also used it to impress the Indians, the Indians call this air rifle, "The smokeless thunder stick.". In overall fine condition. The round, smoothbore, appox .44 calibre, sighted, steel barrel, has smooth untouched surfaces, fine bore with front site.. Exposed cocking "hammer" with an external mechanism and sculpted mainspring: matching, smooth, blued surfaces and in functional order. Complete with its original air release lever. Leather wrapped, conical, hollow, steel butt stock/air reservoir. Matching mechanism with all of its original components, a strong mainspring and air release valve. Very fine stock. A very nice and complete example of a rare late 18th century German or Austrian Reservoir-Butt gun. Overall length, 55". As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 20919

A Fabulous, Circa 1804, Peninsular War & Waterloo British Light Dragoon Pistol From the Tower of London. GR Crown Tower Stamped Ordnance Issue, Superb Walnut Stock. Just Arrived Today & An Incredibly Inexpensive Light Dragoon Service Pistol

Traditional New Land pattern service issue brass mounts, trigger guard, side plate and skull crusher butt cap. Stunning piece with superb steel and amazing patination to the finest walnut stock. Converted and adapted in the 1830’s to the all new and improved percussion action system. A New Land pattern flintlock that was adapted and upgraded, for decades of future service, after around 20 years of prior service in the British Army front rank cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars, with a replacement self contained ram rod, and the new waterproof percussion action conversion.

There is an incredible saving of around £1000 to be made on this wonderful piece of original Tower of London issue British dragoon history.
This pistol was manufactured at the Tower armoury circa 1804, and its lock was inspected and stamped by Richard Duce, who was the official lock inspector from 1797 to 1818. His official ordnance stamp was the Crown over a broad arrow, alongside the regulation Crown GR mark and Tower. There are further ordnance stamps, such as a regulation GR stamped upon the finest walnut stock and its barrel tang. The barrel also has regulation proof stamps.

Introduced in the 1796 and in production by 1802, the New Land Cavalry Pistol provided one model of pistol for all of Britain's light cavalry and horse artillery.

The service of British Cavalry regiments, particularly the Light Dragoons, proved essential in the mastery of the Indian Subcontinent. The Duke of Wellington, then Arthur Wellesley, was primarily recognized for his military genius by his battles in India.

This fine pistol would have seen service in such as the 10th Light Dragoons aka 10th Hussars.
In 1806, the regiment was again re-designated, this time becoming a hussar regiment as the 10th (Prince of Wales's Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Hussars), and sailed for Corunna in Spain in November 1808. The regiment saw action at the Battle of Sahagún in December 1808 and the Battle of Benavente later in December 1808 during the Peninsular War. At Benavente the regiment captured General Charles Lefebvre-Desnouettes, the French cavalry commander.The regiment then took part in the Battle of Corunna in January 1809 before returning to England.

In 1813, having landed once more in Spain, the regiment fought at the Battle of Morales in June 1813.15 During the battle the regiment destroyed the 16th French Dragoons between Toro and Zamora, taking around 260 prisoners. The regiment also fought at the Battle of Vitoria later in the month while still in Spain and then, having advanced into France, fought at the Battle of Orthez in February 1814 and the Battle of Toulouse in April 1814. As part of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, the regiment charged the French cavalry and infantry at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815

Cavalry was the 'shock' arm, with lances, pistols and sabres the principal hand weapons. The division between 'heavy' and light was very marked during Wellington's time: 'heavy' cavalry were huge men on big horses, 'light' cavalry were more agile troopers on smaller mounts who could harass as well as shock.
During the Napoleonic Wars, French cavalry was unexcelled. Later as casualties and the passage of years took their toll, Napoleon found it difficult to maintain the same high standards of cavalry performance. At the same time, the British and their allies steadily improved on their cavalry, mainly by devoting more attention to its organization and training as well as by copying many of the French tactics, organisation and methods. During the Peninsular War, Wellington paid little heed to the employment of cavalry in operations, using it mainly for covering retreats and chasing routed French forces. But by the time of Waterloo it was the English cavalry that smashed the final attack of Napoleon's Old Guard.
Small field service repair on the forward underside of the stock by the ramrod channel, with late replacement non swivel rammer, a nice strong main spring, and the action holds on one cocking action, likely due to slight age wear on the sear..

See picture 10 in the gallery; Another Reason To Visit Brighton-by-the-Sea This Summer. To Visit the Magnificent Pavilion Palace & View ‘The Encampment At Brighton’, a painting of British Light Dragoons on the hills at Brighton, by Francis Wheatley, RA, 1747-1801. Which We Were Most Proud To Assist & Enable Our Donation of the Painting to Brighton Museum 50 Years Ago

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25428

A Fabulous Solid Silver Mounted 'Naval' Captain or Admirals Sword, Near Matching Admiral Don Francisco Xavier Winthuysen's Sword, That Was Surrendered to Commodore Nelson at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797

Superb French hunting hanger with carved hilt with fancy solid silver crossguard and mounts bearing French hallmark with pair of carved grip plates held with fancy flower head silver rivets and engraved silver rim edging. With superbly engraved blade bearing stunning mystical talismanic and cabbalistic engravings including the portrait bust of an Ottoman Grand Sultan. It was written centuries past that a fine blade might be engraved with; "a talisman to make one beloved, to defeat the ill wishes of all enemies". They could be a number or combination with a cabbalistic meaning known only to the owner and the magician who sold him the spell. The number might be, for example, 1441, thought to be a combination of the number 7, a specifically lucky number,

From a collection of very fine surrendered swords from senior officer's of French and Spanish warships that fought against Nelson's fleets.


An incredibly similar sword surrendered to Commodore Nelson at the battle of St Vincent 1797 that of Rear-Admiral Don Francisco Xavier Winthuysen the Spanish admiral who died aboard the San José that sword is now in Norfolk museum collection. See photo 9 in the gallery that shows the extremely similar French silver hilt mount close-up of the Spanish Admiral’s sword in the Norfolk Museum unpolished that shows it may have been made by the same French maker.
We also show the sword surrendered to Nelson at the battle of St Vincent, and standing next to Nelson painted by Sir William Beechy
Sir William Beechey (1753 - 1839)
Location:Norwich Castle.

The Battle of Cape St. Vincent (14 February 1797) was one of the opening battles of the Anglo-Spanish War (1796–1808), as part of the French Revolutionary Wars, where a British fleet under Admiral Sir John Jervis defeated a greatly superior Spanish fleet under Admiral Don José de Córdoba y Ramos near Cape St. Vincent, Portugal.

After a rendezvous with Jervis in the Atlantic off Cape St. Vincent on the previous day, Nelson on February 14, 1797, found himself sailing in mist through a Spanish fleet of 27 ships. The Spaniards were sailing in two divisions and Jervis planned to cut between the two and destroy one before the other could come to its assistance. But he had miscalculated, and it became clear that the British ships would not be able to turn quickly enough to get into action before the Spanish squadrons closed up. Without orders from Jervis, Nelson hauled out of line and attacked the head of the second Spanish division. While the rest of Jervis’ fleet slowly turned and came up in support, Nelson held the two Spanish squadrons apart, at one time fighting seven enemy ships. The efficiency of British gunnery was decisive, and he not only boarded and captured one enemy man-of-war but, from her deck, boarded and took a second.

The Battle of Cape St. Vincent won for Jervis the earldom of St. Vincent and for Nelson a knighthood, which coincided with his promotion by seniority to rear admiral. His first action in command of a major independent force, however, was disastrous. In the course of an assault on Tenerife, a grapeshot shattered his right elbow, and back in his flagship the arm was amputated.

Overall nice condition with some age pitting to blade.
Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 24593

A Very Fine Pair of Absolutely Beautiful French, Napoleonic 1st Empire Period, Circa 1804, Duelling Pistols, by Arlot of Paris, Near Identical To Napoleon's Pair of Duelling Pistols Taken at Waterloo

Made circa 1804 by master gunsmith and maker to the King of France, Jean Arlot of Paris. Jean Arlot was a very fine gunmaker, based in Paris [c.1780-1815] and was the Royal gunmaker to King Louis XVI, prior to the French Revolution. These wonderful pistols were made in the period when Napoleon declared himself Emperor of all France, known as the 1st French Empire Period. There is a most similar beautiful pair of French duellers in the Rijksmuseum in Holland [see them in our photo gallery for comparison] that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte, those pistols came into the possession of Lieutenant Henry Sagermans of Brussels shortly after the Battle of Waterloo. Sagermans claimed the pistols were found in Napoleon's travel carriage which had been abandoned near the battlefield. This French Empire period pair of pistols were originally crafted in the late flintlock period and then expertly converted to percussion, including careful engraving the hammer in order to match the original lock’s engraving which are signed "ARLOT" at the centres. The swamped barrels have fine "micro-groove" style rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight, engraved Bachereau "A PARIS", a sighting groove that extends onto the breech plug, and a notch rear sight within the groove. They are also equipped with adjustable single set triggers, very finely engraved furniture, spurred trigger guards, and a chequered and carved half-stocks. Fine with 85% plus blue finish light case colours, crisp engraving, grey and brown patina on the balance, and general light age and storage related wear. Aside from a single hairline crack the stocks are superb, and they have crisp carving and micro chequering with light wear commensurate for age.

Napoleon gifted allies and personal friends with splendid weapons from the Versailles Arms Factory, very similar to this stunning pair. Such presents could be expensive even for luxury goods: King Charles IV of Spain, an ally of France and a dedicated huntsman, received a set of nine guns, also a pair of duelling pistols which cost 130,000 francs (which was the equivalent of 36,000 days of wages for a skilled tradesman in those days, thus approx 12 years pay).

Napoleon and the art of honouring loyalty and bravery

In France, it was customary for the King to award weapons of honour for exceptional service. Awarding royal military honours was stopped with the abolition of the monarchy in 1792, but reinstated a couple of years later by Napoleon, then Commander-in-chief.
Napoleon first awarded arms of honour for individual acts of bravery during the Italian campaign of 1796-1797, and he decided to increase doing so in an order from 28 August 1797. The distribution of weapons of honour was made official by the Consulate in an order from 25. December. Napoleon regulated which ranks received what kind of arms: officers received pistols, grenadiers and the line infantry received rifles or sabres, and the cavalry troops received rifles, too.

The gifts Napoleon made to military heroes and statesmen were also admired by the British. While usually not being present with them, they bought or took them from Napoleon’s fallen allies that were defeated in the war or went into exile. The 1st Marquess Wellesley, Brother to Arthur Wellesley, presented George, The Prince of Wales, in May 1810 with a pair of flintlock rifled pistols. Its barrel was inlaid with gold ornaments. It is part of the Royal Collection Trust

practices and rituals were codified in the Code Duello of 1777 which set forth rules describing all aspects of an "affair of honour," from the time of day during which challenges could be received to the number of shots or wounds required for satisfaction of honour. For gentlemen the law "offered no redress for insults" he might be subject to from rivals and enemies. Shooting a fellow officer in a duel "gave a sharp edge to one's reputation, earned congratulations in the regimental mess, and brought admiring glances from the ladies. Higher military authorities regarded duelling as a proof test of courage" Although theoretically banned by British Army regulations, refusing a challenge was likely to result in an officer having to leave his regiment, for the same rules that banned duelling forbade an officer from submitting to "opprobrious expressions" or "any conduct from another that should degrade him, or, in the smallest way impeach his courage." To decline a challenge was often equated to defeat by forfeiture, and was sometimes even regarded as dishonourable. Prominent and famous individuals ran an especial risk of being challenged for duels.
Among the most famous duels are the American Burr-Hamilton duel, in which notable Federalist Alexander Hamilton was fatally wounded, and the duel between Duke of Wellington and the 10th Earl of Winchilsea, wherein each participant intentionally missed the other. In New Orleans in 1817 wealthy Creole Bernard de Marigny challenged American blacksmith James Humble to a duel. Humble at nearly seven feet tall had the advantage of size but had never so much as handled a weapon before, and Marigny was only five-nine but a deadly fighter. But by tradition, Humble, as the challenged party, had choice of weapons and location. His choice: the duel would be fought with blacksmith hammers standing in six feet of water in Lake Pontchartrain. Marigny immediately declared that he could not possibly harm a man with such a sense of humour and invited Humble home for dinner. Some were fought over matters of great import, such as Whig leader George Tierney's challenge to William Pitt, after the prime minister accused him of a lack of patriotism; while at the other extreme, in 1721, two Irishmen fought over the correct spelling of a Greek word. Natchez, Mississippi: September 20, 1827: Formidable frontier knife fighter Jim Bowie was shot twice, stabbed "many" times, and had a sword impaled in his chest but still managed to stand, fight, and kill in a gentlemen's duel gone dreadfully wrong.

Since duelling is illegal in Mississippi, it all happened on a sandbar on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River just west of here, yesterday. Samuel Wells of Natchez faced Louisiana doctor Thomas Maddox in a pistol duel. Each man had a large contingency of witnesses. Both men were allowed two shots at each other. Both missed. So, the actual duel ended with a laugh, with a handshake and with the opening of a bottle of wine, celebrating the duellers new found friendship.

Bowie was Wells second in the duel, and Judge R.A. Crane from Louisiana was Dr. Maddox's second.

As the wine flowed so, suddenly, did the anger, not between the duellists but between the two seconds, Jim Bowie and Judge Crane.

Crane pulled a pistol and fired twice. A bullet punctured Bowie's thigh. He went down. The second bullet hit Bowie's friend Dr. Samuel Cuney, who was there just to witness the duel. He slumped to his knees, then toppled face first to the sand? dead.

Brawling bloody bedlam began. Friends of each dueler became mortal enemies. Bullets whined through gun smoke, and knife blades slashed in the sun.

Major Norris Wright, a banker from Alexandria who hated Jim Bowie and had tried to kill him before, took the opportunity to unsheathe his cane sword and impale Bowie in the chest as Bowie lay wounded on the ground. With the sword still sticking in his chest, Bowie grabbed Wright's coattails and pulled Wright toward him on the ground, slashing Wright's mid-section back and forth with his big, curved knife, killing him instantly.

Witnesses say Bowie then stood up with the sword wobbling in his chest, a bullet in his thigh, and a knife wound gaping in his side, as attackers continued to stab him and shoot at him.

When the attacks stopped, either through fear or fatigue, two men lay dead; two more men tried to patch serious wounds; and the others wiped blood with torn shirts from their grazes and gashes.

As smoke cleared, the dead and wounded were taken by boat across the river to Natchez for civilised burial and modern medical treatment. Sometimes, however, duels were fought for political reasons. In 1798, the Prime Minister of England, William Pitt, accused George Tierney, an opposition politician, of desiring to obstruct the defence of England. Tierney demanded that Pitt withdraw the accusation; Pitt refused. Tierney challenged him to a duel, and the two met near London. The first set of shots went wild, and Pitt fired his second shot into the air, thereby vindicating honour. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables 1cm of one sideplate lacking to one reverse side of one pistol. Mechanically, both pistols are very fine indeed, of top quality craftsmanship, with fine crisp actions. 245mm barrels, overall 370mm long  read more

Code: 22574

A Rare and Original, American, Antique Civil War Remington Large Calibre Army Revolver, With an Original Wild West Rimfire Cartridge Conversion Upgrade. A Superb 5 Shot Revolver. One of The Most Interesting & Historical Guns of The Civil War & Frontier

In overall very nice condition indeed. The Remington Model 1858 was a cap & ball (also called "percussion") 44-calibre revolver, {upgraded to the larger .46-cal. rim fire in 1868} and used during the American Civil War from its close, then this rare pistol was converted to a larger cartridge, a seperate serial number added to the barrel underside, and re-finished addressed etc. and sold for use in the Wild West era onwards.
It was first used primarily as cap and ball by Union soldiers, and widely favoured over the standard issue Colt Army Model 1860 by those who could afford it, due primarily to its durability and ability to quickly reload. Of course if a gun such as this was captured in a Confederate victory it would be eagerly used by its new southern states owner as a highly prized trophy of war. It also saw considerable use in the American West, both in its original cap & ball configuration and as a metallic cartridge conversion.

At the end of our Civil War, the need to rearm with cartridge arms was an obvious imperative and signaled the end of the muzzleloading era worldwide. America was exhausted and money was tight in both the treasury and people’s pockets, yet the superiority of the copper-cased rimfire round to the paper cartridge couldn’t be ignored even though the obvious limitations of the rimfire system were soon evident. U.S. Civil War General Hiram Berdan’s bolt-action rifle, paper-patched bullet in a drawn brass case ignited by his Berdan primer electrified the world, but our Congress was in no mood to pay royalties on a new rifle and cartridge however superior—even to one of our war heroes—and our military became saddled with an inefficient inside-primed, copper-cased round developed at our arsenal for use in cartridge muskets initially converted from the vast stocks of muzzleloaders on hand.

Handguns were a different matter entirely. Smith & Wesson had locked up the bored-through cylinder patent necessary for the use of a cartridge, but only made .22s and .32s—hardly what a soldier or Indian fighter wanted to war with. The Army having to fight the war with a percussion handgun after seeing how well the Spencer and Henry cartridge rifles fared had no choice for a cartridge handgun with S&W working to renew the patent set to expire in 1869. The market was equally ready for a suitable belt-sized cartridge revolver, and the 1858 Remington was a nearly perfect platform.

While working on their own big bore, Smith & Wesson contracted with Remington to convert 4,575 1858 Army revolvers for a new .46 Short Rimfire cartridge. Of these, 4,141 were sold to wholesaler B. Kittredge & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio for $3.36 each. That clearly puts these “modern” revolvers in the path of the folks heading West after the war. Due to the hand engraved cylinder patent date of 1855 we believe this is one of those very few intriguing revolvers. Matching six figure serial numbers on the barrel and grip frame, with matching cartridge conversion company serial numbers 2777 also on the barrel and grip frame. Several inspector's marks throughout.

There is a reason the .44 Henry wasn’t shoehorned into the first cartridge revolvers. The rimfire cartridge was nominally a .45. The “.44” in the percussion caliber is for the bore diameter, and the groove diameter was a .45. The conversion process was a lot cheaper without having to install a new barrel, and plenty of the old barrels and revolvers were on hand. Remington already chambered a .46 Long rimfire in Rolling Block carbines for use in the Civil War, and it easily transitioned into a rimfire handgun round with a shortened case and lighter heeled bullet. All these early cartridges, closely duplicated the ballistics of the combustible paper cartridges used in the percussion revolvers.

These first Remington Army conversions have been given the nickname “thin plate conversions” by collectors and were made in three versions. None had loading gates, and that likely made life interesting for those who held the revolver muzzle up while cocking! Perhaps the outside-lubricated bullets were sticky enough to keep the rounds from rocketing out. The original large rimfire was an easy transition to the 1858

A prized possession of the Remington Arms Company is a similar, original, New Model Army with ivory grips once carried by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody {see photo in our gallery}. The historic revolver is on display with Cody's simple handwritten note, "It never failed me". Cody carried the revolver in original percussion form well into the cartridge era, but didn't converted it to cartridge use. The Remington “Army” .44 percussion revolver was the primary competition to the Colt M1860 .44 percussion revolver during the American Civil War era. Although Sam Colt was the better salesman and marketer, Remington eventually beat Colt out of their military contracts by delivering a comparable (some felt superior) product for less money. In 1864, after the US government had finally beat Colt’s price down to $14.00 per revolver, they had been paying $20.00 or more per gun in the early days of the war, Remington agreed to furnish their “Army” revolver for only $12.00 per gun. That ended the reign of the Colt Army as the first choice for the Ordnance Department procurement officers.


In the field, even though the Colt revolver had the name and the mystique, many cavalry troopers preferred the much sturdier solid frame design of the Remington revolver. According to the research published in Remington Army & Navy Revolvers 1861-1868 by Donald L. Ware, Remington revolvers through serial 149,000 were accepted prior to the end of the Civil War. No license required to own or collect.

The New Model Army pattern
long 8 inch sighted octagonal barrel, stamped with the manufacturer's details and stamped with the serial no. 12XXXX to the underside, usual plain cylinder, usual plain frame, brass trigger guard, good two-piece varnished wooden grips.

Frank and Jesse James both owned and used Remington cartridge revolvers, at least two of which still exist: Frank’s No. 5116 and Jesse’s No. 559. An outlaw known as “Redtop” Callihan was wearing a large calibre cartridge Remington when he was gunned down in Bodie, Calif., in 1892 after allegedly killing six men with it. Businessman R.H. Bain went to Alaska with his Remington and reportedly shot two claim jumpers with it; its original belt, with holster, is stamped “KENNEDY HARDWARE, ANCHORAGE ALAS.”

This is an original antique, historical, collectable with no licence required to own or collect.

One photo in the gallery of Lee Van Cleef in ‘the Good the Bad and the Ugly’ with the Remington New Model Army.

Another photo of Clark Gable using his Remington New Model Army.

For ref;

The Cartridge Era Begins with the 1858 Remington Conversion.
Historical Arms, Old West  read more

Code: 25733

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Code: 26168